Van Gaal warned United’s established stars their reputations count for nothing when he took charge and will judge every player equally as he assesses his squad on their US pre-season tour.

Mata showed glimpses of his best form last season following his record £37.5million January move from Chelsea.

The 26-year-old scored six times in 15 appearances for the Reds last season, but believes he can prove he was worth the big fee in his first full season at Old Trafford.

The Spain international is relishing the chance to undergo a full pre-season programme for the first time in several years and hopes United fans will see the best of him as a result.

Playmaker Mata also feels the quick, attacking style synonymous with Van Gaal’s teams will bring out the best in him.

“It will be a different pre-season for me because, in the last six or seven years, I’ve always had a tournament with the national team and haven’t had a complete pre-season with my club side,” said Mata.

“So this time I will do the whole tour of the States, which is good for me to prepare for a long and hard season.

(Image: Matthew Peters)

“This is my first pre-season with United and I’m enjoying it: the journey was good, the hotel nice, the training ground great.

“It’s the start of a new era for the club. I’m really happy with the manager’s style of football and hopefully at the end of the season we can celebrate something, which would be amazing for us.

“But now, the most important thing is to get ready, step by step and not too hard because injuries can happen. It’s important for us to prepare physically and mentally for the long season.

“We’re focused on improving and trying to learn from the manager, to play at our best level. The main idea is to play as a team and compete for titles.”

United have been in Los Angeles since Friday and kick off their US tour with their first game under Van Gaal against LA Galaxy in the 92,542-capacity Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena on Wednesday.

United will then take on AS Roma, Inter Milan and Real Madrid in the International Champions Cup, with the ­prospect of a final in Miami if they top their group.